Emerging as a leader in a self-organising team can be a delicate balance. While the team thrives on autonomy and shared responsibility, individuals naturally rise to leadership roles based on their skills, initiative, and the needs of the moment. However, stepping forward can feel uncomfortable - you might worry about stepping on others' toes or disrupting the collaborative spirit. So, how can you step into a leadership role in a way that both you and the team take in stride? Let’s explore some strategies.
1. Start with Self-Awareness
Before stepping up, take a moment to reflect on your motivations. Are you looking to lead because you have the expertise and ideas that can benefit the team, or is it driven by personal ambition? Ensuring your intentions align with the team’s goals is key to stepping forward confidently.
2. Observe and Listen First
Spend time observing the team dynamics. Who are the informal leaders? How do decisions get made? By understanding the flow of communication and influence, you can find the right moment to contribute without disrupting the existing harmony. Listening actively also builds trust and shows that you value others’ input.
3. Communicate Openly
Transparency is crucial when stepping into a leadership role. Let your team know that you’re eager to contribute more actively and explain why you believe your involvement could be beneficial. Frame your intentions in terms of the team’s success, not just your own. This helps to reduce any potential friction.
4. Lead by Facilitating
Leadership in self-organising teams often means guiding rather than directing. Focus on facilitating discussions, helping to clarify goals, and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. This approach positions you as a leader who empowers others rather than taking control.
5. Offer Support, Not Solutions
Instead of jumping in with solutions, offer support. Ask questions that prompt the team to think differently or explore new avenues. This collaborative approach encourages the team to develop their ideas while recognising you as a guiding force.
6. Be Adaptive
In self-organising teams, leadership isn’t static. Be prepared to step back when the situation changes or when someone else’s expertise is more relevant. Adaptive leadership means recognising when to lead and when to follow, ensuring the team’s needs are always at the forefront.
7. Build Consensus
Instead of making unilateral decisions, work to build consensus within the team. This not only strengthens your leadership role but also reinforces the team’s collaborative spirit. Leaders in self-organising teams often emerge by being the ones who can unite diverse opinions and steer the team towards a common goal.
8. Seek Feedback
Regularly ask for feedback from your team. This shows that you’re committed to the team’s well-being and are open to adjusting your approach. It also helps in identifying any discomfort early on, allowing you to address it before it becomes an issue.
9. Celebrate Collective Success
Make sure that success is always framed as a team achievement. While you may have taken on a leadership role, it’s the collective effort that drives results. Celebrating together reinforces the idea that leadership in a self-organising team is about empowering the whole group, not just individual glory.
Embrace the Discomfort
Stepping into a leadership role in a self-organising team can be uncomfortable, but that discomfort is often a sign of growth. By approaching leadership with humility, openness, and a genuine commitment to the team’s success, you can step forward in a way that benefits both you and your team. Remember, leadership in these settings is fluid and shared - by focusing on facilitation, support, and consensus-building, you can emerge as a leader who enhances the team’s dynamics rather than disrupting them.
Taking the leap to lead might feel risky, but it’s through these experiences that true leadership potential is realised. Embrace the discomfort, step forward with care, and watch both you and your team flourish.
Comments